Analysis of students´ school choices, and of the effects of private school attendance

Project leader

Funding source

Swedish Research Council - Vetenskapsrådet (VR)

Project Details

Start date: 01/01/2015

End date: 31/12/2017

Funding: 3577000SEK

Description

This project will answer the following research questions: First, we will investigate how student´ school choices area affected by school-level factors such as school quality; student composition; teacher density and qualifications; and school location. Second, we will investigate how differences in the availability of information such as test scores, grades, the results from school inspections and survey information from students and parents, affect the choice behavior. Third, we will analyze if the choice mechanism in place, i.e. the algorithm that is used to assign students to schools, is efficient. Fourth, we will estimate the causal effect on students´ educational attainment of attending a private school, compared to a municipal school. The analysis will be carried out on data on students´ listed school choices from applications to primary and secondary school, in combination with student background data and school-level information. The method of analysis will be different forms of regression analysis (multivariate regression, regression discontinuity and matching). The overall aim of the project is to gain a deeper understanding of the school choice system that is in place in Sweden today, and how it can be expected to affect the education system and students learning.